Comma Splices and Run-on SentencesComma splice- A comma is used to join, or splice together, two complete thoughts, even though a comma alone is not strong enough to connect the two independent clauses.Run-on – Two sentences are connected, or run together, without any punctuation at all to indicate where the first sentence ends and the second begins.

Three Common Pitfalls1- when the second sentence starts with a

personal or demonstrative pronounComma splice: The school’s computerized billing

system needs to be overhauled, it billed more than a dozen families twice for tuition.

Run-on: Lobsters are cannibalistic and will feed on each other this is one reason they are difficult to raise in captivity.

2- when the second sentence starts with a transition

Comma splice: Start by buttering the baking dish, next pour in the milk and mix it well with the flour.

Run-on: The dentist studied my x-rays then she let out an ominous sigh.

3- when two sentences are connected by a transitional adverb

Comma splice: We figured the movie tickets would cost about five dollars, however, we forgot to calculate the cost of all the snacks we would eat.

Run- on: Fish in a backyard pond will thrive simply by eating the bugs, larvae, and algae in the pond nevertheless, many people enjoy feeding fish by hand.

How to correct comma splices and run-ons

Place a period, question mark, or exclamation point at the end of the first sentence and capitalize the first letter of the second sentence.

Our team played badly, we deserved to lose.Which computer do experts recommend for the

average student which system do experts consider most all-purpose? They seldom agree.

Use a semicolon (;) to mark where the first sentence ends and the second begins.

In the eighteenth century, beauty marks were considered fashionable people even glued black paper dots to their faces.

Many men use hairstyling products, facial scrubs, and cologne however, most draw the line at powder and eye makeup.

Turn one sentence into a dependent clause

The campground has no electricity however people flock there anyway.

The highway was impassable it had snowed all night and most of the morning.

Keep or add a comma at the end of the first sentence, but follow the comma

with a coordinating conjunctionWell prepared and confident, I expected the

exam to be easy, it turned out to be a harrowing experience.

Last election we campaigned enthusiastically this year we expect to be equally involved.

1- Place a period, question mark, or exclamation point at the end of the first sentence and capitalize the first letter of the second sentence.

2- Use a semicolon (;) to mark where the first sentence ends and the second begins.

3- Turn one sentence into a dependent clause4- Keep or add a comma at the end of the first

sentence, but follow the comma with a coordinating conjunction